Medical Social Worker:Counsels, assesses, and assists individuals of all ages and families or groups who are affected by illnesses or injuries, including rape, physical abuse, cancer, AIDS, and Alzheimerâ€™s, that may impair their ability to function normally. Gives care beyond medical treatment, understands the situation, evaluates it, determines what patientsâ€™ needs are, gives advice, makes decisions regarding what can be done to improve it, and helps make necessary arrangements to ensure ongoing quality care leading to get back to a normal life again. Assists in senior citizen health by providing support to their adult children and caregivers. Works in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying patient's health problem. Helps patient and family to understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations. Refers patients to appropriate rehabilitation center or other government shelter, if necessary, depending on the disease and problems faced by the patients. Provides service planned to restore patient to optimum social and health adjustment within patient's capacity. Utilizes community resources to assist patient to resume life in community or to learn to live within limits of disability. Prepares patient histories, service plans, and reports. Participates in planning for improving health services by interpreting social factors pertinent to development of program. Provides general direction and supervision to workers engaged in clinic home service program activities. Works in general hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, drug and alcohol abuse centers, or related health programs. May be employed as consultant in other agencies. Most states require license or certificate. [-] Less